More and more restaurants are starting to value the goodness of fresh, local ingredients, and you should too. Columbia has a great selection of farm-to-table eats that do an incredible job of showing off homegrown South Carolina foods.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Columbia
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
What it's known for: A must-eat in Columbia's Congaree Vista, it's named for the beautifully restored building's original function - supplying motor parts to South Carolina and surrounding states. Guests will appreciate a warm, upscale dining experience featuring the freshest ingredients available that inspire dishes and cocktails from all over.
Style: Farm-to-table, dinner, eclectic
Address: 920 Gervais St., Columbia
Phone: 803.256.6687
Tombo Grille
What it's known for: A great choice for any occasion and a true favorite in the Forest Acres area of Columbia, Tombo Grille is all about using great ingredients to put creative twists on your favorite Southern classics. Like all farm-to-table restaurants, the menu is always changing to feature what's in season, but the quality at Tombo never changes. Just make sure you save room for dessert. It's worth it.
Style: Farm-to-table, dinner, eclectic, southern
Address: 4517 Forest Drive, Columbia
Phone: 803.782.9665
Hendrix
What it's known for: Opened in 2019 in the historic Hennessy's building on Main Street, this new addition to the farm-to-table food scene offers chef-inspired dishes featuring fun twists on classic flavors. With a focus on quality and technique, the cuisine and cocktails are fresh, creative and delicious. Be sure to make it up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a fantastic view of downtown Columbia.
Style: Sustainable, locally-sourced scratch kitchen, modern American, dinner, cocktails, brunch
Address: 1649 Main St., Columbia
Phone: 803.834.5132
Terra
What it's known for: With great appreciation for local farmers' efforts to produce excellent ingredients, Terra designs each dish with simplicity and authenticity in mind to highlight the natural goodness of the food. And the whole "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality seems to be working well. You get great views of the Columbia skyline from the dining room and patio, and if you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, come early for the Pizza and Pinot special.
Style: Farm-to-table, dinner, Distinguished Restaurant of North America
Address: 100 State St., West Columbia
Phone: 803.791.3443
Halls Chophouse
What it's known for: Tender, juicy prime beef flown in from Allen Brothers in Chicago is this family-owned restaurant's calling card, but its expansive menu also includes plenty of locally sourced, seafood, veal, pork, chicken, vegetarian and vegan dishes expertly crafted to highlight the essense of culinary creativity. Live nightly entertainment, attentive service and an elegant, relaxed setting make this a five-star choice.
Style: Farm-to-table, dinner, named "Best Steakhouse in America" by Yelp users
Address: 1221 Main St., Columbia
Phone: 803.563.5066
Spotted Salamander Café & Catering
What it's known for: This charming café is owned and run by 2019 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jessica Shillato. With varied, seasonal menus that star local ingredients, you won't find a better lunch spot in downtown Columbia. The small plate specials are always worth a try, and you'd be remiss to deny yourself a sampling of the deviled eggs of the day and a slice of crack pie.
Style: Boutique, relaxed, Southern, lunch, farm-to-table
Address: 1531 Richland St., Columbia
Phone: 803.556.2197
Cola's
What it's known for: Cola's uses farm-fresh ingredients as often as possible to create their ethnically inspired meals. Whether you're craving steak, seafood, pork or poultry - they've got something on the menu you'll love. The whole crispy flounder is a perennial favorite. If the weather is nice, request a table in the open garages to have a view of the SC State House as a backdrop to your dinner.
Style: Farm-to-table, dinner
Address: 1215 Assembly St., Columbia
Phone: 803.451.0051
